The Hurricane Deck is a steep and narrow formation in the Los Padres National Forest. It is approximately 18 miles long. There are many beautiful places to hike in California; - this is not one of them. It is a desolate place with no water. No creeks, no springs, no water, – period. It is a harsh land, and you better take it seriously and be prepared, if you intend to hike it. Hikers have died on the Deck when they were not prepared. Dave carried 10 lbs of extra water both up and back. We where prepared!!
I have not hiked the entire Deck. Hiking the entire Deck is a testament to survival, nothing else. On a previous hike, we hiked to near the center of the Deck up Lost Valley. On this hike, we hiked the 5 miles to the Deck up Potrero Canyon trail. It is a tough hike to get there. Once there, I hiked to the first high point, took some pictures of basically nothing, and said that’s enough for me. Dave hiked another mile or so. On the return we noticed the caves that had Indian paintings in them. Dave climbed up to them while I gave directions sitting on a very confortable rock.
It is interesting to note that 200 years ago there was a thriving community of early settlers out here. There was a river that ran through the canyons year round. The remains of their homesteads are still visible. Times change. The water is gone, and with it all life.
Click here for the pictures from the day hike